Review: 2021 MG ZS EV

Though it seems the new MG ZS EV is just an MG ZS with an electric motor there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. The changes on the outside might me minor, but it's under the hood where the magic happens.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

With striking LED headlights and the iconic MG grille, the ZS EV offers the same sporty front design as it's petrol-powered brother, the MG ZS. Yet there is one major difference: a charging port in the grill. No gas cap on the side of the ZS EV, but a fold out piece in the front to plug the charging cable.

DRIVEABILITY

It's impressive how much power the MG ZS EV manages to put out of its electric engine. It produces 105kW/353Nm with a 44.5kWh battery pack, getting you from 0 to 100km/h in about 8 seconds and delivering a driving range of up to 263km. Got range anxiety? MG claims the ZS EV will charge to 80 per cent capacity in 40 minutes on a 50kW fast charger, or up to full in seven hours using a 7kW home setup.

The ZS EV boosts the same MG Pilot then the high end petrol version already was equipped with. It now has adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent headlight assist, as well as traffic jam assist. That's a big list of safety features by any standard.

LIVEABILITY

The interior of the ZS EV proves to be spacious and comfortable, with the synthetic leather trim and contrast stitched front seats giving the driver and passenger ample support, while the rear seats have enough leg space even for grown adults. The second-row passengers also get to use two USB points to keep devices topped up. That’s on top of the three USB points in the front row. Everything in the cabin is intuitively laid out and within easy reach.  Storage options include a cubby ahead of the gear lever, and a central storage bin. Plus the door pockets are big enough for 600ml bottles, always a plus.

The standard features list includes an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker system with surround sound, native satellite navigation and a big sunroof and looks smart together with its all-digital instruments.  Behind the second row is 359L of boot space, which is good for this size car.  Fold the second row away and there’s 1187L, again about the standard for similar sized cars in the class.

COST

Of course the major draw card for the MG ZS EV is its price tag. You can now drive an electric car for just under $44k! And for that monet you get the whole MG Pilot driver safety suite, the 8-inch multi-function colour touch screen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Navigation, Keyless entry & push button start, Rain sensing wipers, Synthetic leather interior trim with contrast stitching, LED headlights and taillights, 17” Two-tone machined alloy wheels and more.

CONCLUSION

You cannot deny that the MG ZS EV looks 'electrifying'. The dynamic style accents follow through the entire exterior, with sleek lines and chrome touches that make MG's electric compact SUV an exciting package. With its unique allow wheels and slightly different front you can distinguish it from the 'normal' ZS, but otherwise it's only the fact you don't hear it what sets it apart.

It's the price - Australia's cheapest electric vehicle - that will make most buyers start their EV journey. There is very little competition out there offering a similar package for a the same - let alone, less - money. The ZS EV is a value proposition you must put on your shopping list when considering going electric.